The Conservation of Native Domestic Animal Breeds in Nordic Countries: From Genetic Resources to Cultural Heritage and Good Governance

Analysing the genetic diversity and population structure of five native Turkish cattle breeds using SNP data

The conservation and sustainable utilization of cattle genetic resources necessitate a comprehensive understanding of their genetic diversity and population structure. This study provides an analysis of five native Turkish cattle breeds: Anatolian Black (ANB), Turkish Grey (TUR), Anatolian Southern Yellow (ASY), East Anatolian Red (EAR), and South Anatolian Red (SAN) using 50 K SNP data. These breeds were compared with three European breeds, Simmental (SIM), Holstein (HOL), and Jersey (JER), and three Asian Zebu breeds: Arabic Zebu (ZAR), Nelore (NEL), and Red Sindhi (RSI). Genetic diversity indices demonstrated moderate heterogeneity among the breeds, with TUR exhibiting the highest observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.35). Wright's Fst values indicated significant genetic differentiation, particularly between Turkish breeds and both European (Fst = 0.035-0.071) and Asian breeds (Fst = 0.025-0.150). Principal component analysis distinguished the unique genetic profiles of each breed cluster. Admixture analysis revealed degrees of shared genetic ancestry, suggesting historical gene flow between Turkish, European, and Asian breeds. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) attributed approximately 58% of the variation to population differences. Nei's genetic distances highlighted the closer genetic relatedness within Turkish breeds (distance ranges between 0.032 and 0.046) and suggested a more relative affinity of TUR with European breeds. The study's phylogenetic assessments elucidate the nuanced genetic relationships among these breeds, with runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis indicating patterns of ancestral relatedness and moderate levels of inbreeding, particularly evident in Turkish breeds. Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic landscape of Turkish cattle, offering a crucial foundation for informed conservation and breeding strategies aimed at preserving these breeds' genetic integrity and heritage.

Preparing Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) for Reintroduction into the Wild: A Screening for Parasites and Hemopathogens of a Captive Population

The reintroduction of captive animals to the wild helps restore endangered species, but it risks pathogen transmission, harming wild populations. Such transmission can impact the genetic diversity and long-term viability of these populations. This study assessed parasite diversity and load in captive Pecari tajacu, a species native to the Americas and culturally significant to Brazilian indigenous culture, prior to reintroduction. Samples from 24 peccaries were analyzed for ectoparasites, hemopathogens, and stool parasites with direct and molecular analysis. Findings showed that various parasites were present. Two peccaries (8.3%) were infested by the adult tick Amblyomma sculptum. Six (25.0%) tested positive for Trypanosoma evansi, four (16.7%) for hemobacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae, twelve (50.0%) for hemotropic Mycoplasma, and seven (29.2%) for Leishmania braziliensis. Stool samples indicated multiple parasites, with sixteen (66.7%) peccaries infected by Strongylida order parasites, Spiruridae in three (12.5%), and Ascaris suum in one (4.2%) animal. Cysts of Balantidium sp. were found in twenty (83.3%), Entamoeba polecki in five (20.8%), and Iodamoeba bütschlii in two (8.3%) peccaries. To our current knowledge, this is the first global report of Leishmania braziliensis, Iodamoeba bütschlii, and Entamoeba polecki in P. tajacu, irrespective of the environment, including both captivity and wild conditions. Some of these parasites are common in domestic animals, and others are zoonotic, indicating potential interspecies pathogen transmission.

Feed plants, ethnoveterinary medicine, and biocultural values: insights on the Luchuan pig from Hakka communities in China

BACKGROUND

The Luchuan pig is an indigenous breed from Luchuan County, China, with cultural and genetic significance. However, traditional knowledge and conservation status have not been systematically documented.

METHODS

Using ethnobiological methods, we surveyed 72 Luchuan pig farmers in 7 townships during 2021-2023. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted to document traditional knowledge and management practices.

RESULTS

The locals reported 51 plant species used as pig feed, with 30 wild species. Growth-stage-specific feeding and seasonal adjustment practices were documented. We recorded 62 ethnoveterinary plant uses, mainly for treating pigs' heat stress and skin conditions. Luchuan pigs play central roles in local Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. Additonally, the new ecological farming models minimize the environmental impacts to the local community. However, there are still some challenges remained for conserving and promoting Luchuan pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

The Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. Our study provides extensive documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends integrating cultural and genetic aspects for sustaining this biocultural heritage. Findings can inform initiatives supporting local breed conservation globally.

Exploiting morphobiometric and genomic variability of African indigenous camel populations-A review

Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Africa are adapted to arid and the semi-arid environmental conditions, and are valuable for meat, milk and fiber production. On account of the growing demand for camels in this continent, there is a need for knowledge on their phenotypic and genetic diversity. This is fundamental to sustainable herd management and utilization including the design of appropriate breeding and conservation strategies. We reviewed studies on the phenotypic and genetic characterization, breeding objectives, systems of production, productive and reproductive performances, and pathways for the sustainable rearing and use of camels in Africa. The morphological and genetic diversity, productive and reproductive abilities of African camels suggest the existence of genetic variations that can be utilized for breeds/ecotypes' genetic improvement and conservation. Possible areas of intervention include the establishment of open nucleus and community-based breeding schemes and utilization of modern reproductive technologies for the genetic improvement of milk and meat yields, sustainable management of rangelands, capacity building of the pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, institutional supports, formation of centralized conservation centres and efficient and effective marketing systems.